And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
Verse 1. And he showed me a pure river of water of life. In the New Jerusalem; the happy abode of the redeemed. The phrase "water of life," means living or running water, like a spring or fountain, as contrasted with a stagnant pool. .
St. John in this and the four following verses, goes on with the description of the heavenly Jerusalem, which he had begun in the former chapter; and here we have observable, 1. The city described, as having a clear river running through it, and this of the water of life; an illusion doubtless to the earthly paradise, Gen 2:4-20 which was well watered, without which...
And he showed me a pure river of water of life,.... Not baptism, which used to be administered in rivers and pools of water; and which engaged to purity of life; and, the power and authority of administering which was from God and Christ; but in this Jerusalem state there will be no use nor need of ordinances; for Rev 22:1 belongs to the preceding...